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Physiological responses of heat-stressed broilers fed nicarbazin
K W Beers1, T J Raup, W G Bottje
1Department of Animal Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701.
Poultry Science
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Nicarbazin increases body temperature in heat-stressed broilers, leading to significant physiological changes including altered acid-base balance and heart rate. This finding highlights Nicarbazin
Area of Science:
- Animal Physiology
- Poultry Science
- Environmental Stress
Background:
- Heat stress significantly impacts broiler physiology and performance.
- Nicarbazin is an anticoccidial drug with potential physiological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological responses of heat-stressed broilers fed Nicarbazin.
- To determine the effects of Nicarbazin on thermoregulation, acid-base balance, and cardiovascular function under heat stress.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments exposing broilers to acute and gradual heat stress.
- Surgical implantation for monitoring heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature.
- Analysis of arterial blood for acid-base balance and lactate levels.
Main Results:
- Nicarbazin-fed birds exhibited higher body temperature and altered blood acid-base balance (lower PCO2 and bicarbonate) during heat stress.
- While thermal polypnea was observed, respiration rate was lower in Nicarbazin-fed birds during the later stages of heat stress in one experiment.
- Elevated heart rate and blood lactate were noted in Nicarbazin-fed broilers during heat exposure.
Conclusions:
- Nicarbazin appears to increase body temperature in heat-stressed broilers through an unknown mechanism.
- This increase in body temperature exacerbates physiological stress, indicated by greater deviations in acid-base balance, blood lactate, and heart rate compared to controls.